Hot flashes and weight gain during menopause: Here's why regular exercise is important

New Delhi: Hot flashes and weight issues are some common health problems prevalent among postmenopausal women. However, researchers now seem to have found the solution that can help alleviate these symptoms.

As per a new study, regular exercise can not only help in reducing weight but also control the bothersome symptoms such as hot flashes. This could do away with hormones that women use to manage their menopause symptoms.

Researchers from the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) found that with regular exercise, postmenopausal women achieved modest and significant reductions in their weight, body mass index and hot flashes were also effectively managed.

"Growing evidence indicates that an active lifestyle with regular exercise enhances health, quality of life and fitness in postmenopausal women," said JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director.

"Documented results have shown fewer hot flashes and improved mood and overall, women are feeling better while their health risks decrease," Pinkerton added.

The study was conducted on 234 Spanish postmenopausal women aged 45 to 64 years, who had at least 12 months of sedentary behaviour and engaged in a supervised 20-week exercise program for the study.

The results indicate that after the intervention, the participants experienced positive changes in short- and long-term physical and mental health, including significant improvements in their cardiovascular fitness and flexibility.

The new findings are a good news for women who are reluctant to use hormones to manage their menopause symptoms and are looking for safe but effective non-pharmacologic options without adverse effects.

Decreased estrogen levels during the menopause transition often create an array of physical and mental health issues that detract from a woman's overall quality of life.

The study was published online in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).

(With ANI inputs)